NRL and NSW State Government reportedly on collision course over 2021 grand final

The NSW government is reportedly fuming over suggestions the NRL is secretly moving to ignore a $2.1b deal and move the grand final.

The SCG will host at least one NRL grand final.

The NRL and NSW Government are reportedly on a collision course over the 2021 grand final after the league announced on Wednesday that the 2020 finals series decider will be held at the SCG.

The move to play the NRL’s season showpiece at the oval venue almost exclusively used for cricket and AFL was met with concern by NRL commentators.

The 2020 NRL grand final will be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground due to the unavailability of ANZ Stadium, which will be undergoing renovation.

The NRL informed club chiefs and chairmen of the switch on Wednesday at a meeting in Sydney, with the Olympic Stadium facelift to begin after it hosts the opening game of the 2020 State of Origin series.

ANZ Stadium — which will be transformed into a 70-75,000 seat rectangular venue — is not expected to reopen until 2023, with the SCG also expected to host the 2021 NRL decider.

Pre match ceremonies for the NRL Anzac Day match at the SCG.

However, there are reports behind the scenes that the NRL is trying to break the $2.1 billion memorandum of understanding it has with the state government to move the grand final outside NSW.

Under the terms of the agreement, NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg has admitted the league has agreed to stage the NRL grand final in Sydney for the next 25 years in exchange for the government contributing $2.1 billion towards the developments of Allianz Stadium and ANZ Stadium.

The Sydney Morning Herald’s Andrew Webster on Thursday said the league is secretly considering shopping a future grand final to the Queensland state government — a move that has angered the NSW government.

Those touchlines are miles from the first row of seats.

“The NRL have been trying to make some noises about taking it up to Brisbane in 2021 because ANZ Stadium is going to be delayed, and I know that the NSW State government is not happy whosoever,” Webster told Macquarie Sports Radio.

“I actually think it’s going to be a problematic situation down the track with ANZ Stadium taking longer than they thought.”

The redevelopment of the Olympic Park venue will leave Canterbury and South Sydney searching for a new home for the second half of the season — with Bankwest Stadium the most likely destination.

“We always knew there would be some challenges for our clubs and for the game with major works being done to the stadium network in Sydney,” NRL CEO Todd Greenberg said.

“We will work closely with the clubs as we develop the Premiership schedule in coming years, knowing ANZ Stadium as well as Allianz Stadium will not be available.” The new stadium at Moore Park is expected to be available in early 2022 and could be in line to host the NRL grand final that year.

— with AAP